Mainland tourism in China is back thanks to Blockchain-based health records. This report is according to Blockchain consortium FISCO BCOS. Tourism has fallen flat thanks to COVID-19 globally, with great tourist destinations like France, China, Kenya and Tanzania seeing their industries grind to a halt.
Since May, Macau’s Blockchain-powered medical data system has recognized ID codes of the Guangdong health system on the mainland. Mainland Chinese tourists have, therefore, been able to verify health status using the DLT-powered system when entering the autonomous region.
17 Million Tourists
Macau’s Blockchain health code has to date cleared 17 million tourists between Macau and the mainland. FISCO’s announcement says that health reports are generated in just 100 seconds for first-time visitors, and 3 seconds for future health verification when travelling through customs.
“The establishment of Macau blockchain health code and the mutual recognition mechanism with Guangdong health code greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of information verification across borders. It proves to be an effective solution to bring travel between the Chinese mainland and Macau back to normal.”
The system uses Wechat’s “WeIdentity” solution is used to transfer data between Macau and Guangdong in adherence to Macau’s data protection regulations.
Similar health pass moves
Macau’s health code system was developed and unveiled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which saw the territory suspend travel from mainland China. The system was developed by Singaporean firm SG Innovative in conjunction with local startup Accredify.
IBM health has also developed a digital health pass in the U.S to help smooth the road back to normalcy amid the pandemic. The pass is also Blockchain-based with provision for international travel as well. The Chinese province of Hainan is also planning to try a Blockchain-powered rewards program to boost tourism as China reopens her doors. Hainan was selected last year to host a regulatory sandbox for Blockchain innovation.
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